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Mind the Gap: Providing Shelter to Minor Dating Abuse Survivors

Teen survivors of dating abuse need access to safe and confidential shelter where they can receive specialized domestic violence services. However, criminal and civil state laws can unintentionally prevent domestic violence shelters from accepting teens for residential services. Special laws that authorize runaway and homeless youth shelters do not typically encompass domestic violence shelters. And existing domestic violence shelters are not particularly set up to house teenagers; shelter rules and policies tend to assume that teens are in shelter along with a parent. Shelter through the child welfare system is even out of reach when the dating violence is not considered child abuse under state law. This document provides guidance to advocates on addressing the current gap in services for teens needing emergency shelter to escape dating abuse.

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The public benefits programs that support basic economic security are of critical importance to survivors. Our new report details barriers survivors encounter when accessing public benefits programs, cross-sector collaboration and systems-level advocacy, and possible legislative changes.

Tax credit programs like the EITC can help survivors increase their economic stability and independence. Our newly updated EITC & Other Tax Credits collection has resources to help survivors access these programs when filing 2017 taxes.

This February, let's lift up the voices of young activists working to end gender-based violence. Tune into our weekly podcast series, join our #ImAnActivist social media campaign, and learn about our other TDVAM activities on the NRCDV trainings page!